Average salary of a car designer

Average salary of a car designer

Car designers are often referred to a number of professional titles such as automotive product engineer, as well as automotive designer or engineer. These professionals design automobiles' ergonomics, as well as their parts. Many of these professionals have at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as mechanical or commercial engineering. Salary for these professionals can vary depending on a number of factors.

National Average

In October 2010, Pay scale reported a national average base salary between $60,502 and $85,302 per year. Bonuses averaged between $1,035 and $5,067 per year, and profit sharing averaged between $983 and $3,250 per year. The average total compensation ranged from $61,028 and $86,363 per year.

Geography

Geography plays a role in salary ranges for this occupation. Salary can increase or decrease based on the cost of living, the amount of employers within a specific area, as well as the demand for employees with these job skills. Many automotive vehicle manufacturing employers are based in the Detroit, Michigan, area. Pay scale listed Warren, Michigan, as paying the highest wages, ranging between $65,000 and $100,101 per year.

Industries

Car designers can work in several industries related to automotive manufacturing. Popular industries include automotive and vehicle manufactures, automotive OEMs (original equipment manufactures) and automotive suppliers, to name a few. Pay scale reported the highest salaries in the automotive and vehicle manufacturing industry, ranging between $64,360 and $88,946 per year.

Experience

Salary can also range based on years of experience in this profession. Pay scale reported 31 percent having between 10 and 19 years of experience, with an average salary between $73,069 and $90,632 per year. Those with over 20 years of experience made the highest wages, ranging between $78,101 and $106,502 per year.

Outlook

Although this occupation can provide a good income, it may quickly become a competitive field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the motor vehicle and parts manufacturing industry to decline 11 percent between 2008 and 2018. The decline is expected due to increasing automation, robotics and efficiency to improve production and reduce costs while employing fewer workers.